How can you protest?

It's hard to not hear about the incident in Charlotte if you live in any part of the state of North Carolina. This past Tuesday, an African American man was shot by a police officer. The "Black Lives Matter" movement protesting against police violence on African Americans seems to be more and more common lately. Either that or it is just getting more publicity or I have just been watching the news more.

The Charlotte police are defending the actions of their officers. The officers say they felt threatened at the scene because the man, Keith Lamont Scott, had a gun. Officer Vinson ended up shooting and killing the man. A gun was found at the sight but family members of Scott are saying that he did not have a gun but rather a book. I am no expert, but a book and a gun are and look like two very different things.

Tensions rose and protests began. However, these protests seem to be more like riots. Groups blocked Old Concord Road for hours, which held up traffic. Protesters were throwing water bottles and surrounded every police car on the scene. One picture even shows the vehicle's windows and windshields broken. A cruiser was towed away due to damage of the rear end of the car. Even several officers were injured.

It is protected by the first amendment to have a right to protest. The first amendment does not say anything about riots. It is not legal to destroy police cars, shoot police officers, or block traffic. I am totally for people expressing what they believe in, but it should be done in a respectful and legal way. None of the actions of the protest were beneficial to helping the "Black Lives Matter" movement. And isn't that what this is all about?